Beyond Immortality

CHAPTER SIX

The sun scorched my back as it shone brightly high up in the sky. I had been on the farm almost all day weeding. Mother took ill in the morning so I made up my mind to do it myself. My leg was already getting better even though a scar was left. It was not a struggle to move around as before. Creena stayed behind to take care of mother. We did not get along, she too blamed me for father's death. Like a deadly plague, she avoided me. I wanted a sister I could count on and a friend whom I could talk to. I wished that person to be Creena.

Using the back of my hand I wiped away the sweat trickling down my face. My back ached from bending too much. Just then a hand stretched out of nowhere holding out a purple flower. I spun around surprised to find Mundric grinning at me. I gave him a similar reaction excited to see him.

"Mundric," I say breathlessly taking the flower he offered.

"A little bird whispered in my ears where to find you. Thought I should come see how you faring." He said. I was pretty sure my location reveal came from his mother. Ronan hated him so he couldn't have asked him. Creena was not an option, she would sell me out either way.

"That is very thoughtful of you...and you brought this with you," I say sniffing the flower. I watched him rub the back of his neck as he chuckled nervously.

"UH!... well..I..I..." he stammered. "It was beautiful and no one else fits it better than you."

"You saying am beautiful?" I smirk pressing more. My teasing him made his chick flush in embarrassment as he nodded.

"Indeed." Our eyes make contact none wanting to avert. "I uh...I'll see you so-" he is roughly spun around cutting him short. A giant folded fist connected with his cheek. Another followed. My attention turned to the assaulter only to be astonished by the figure of a fuming Ronan. Mundric tries to defend himself as he staggers around.

"Ronan!" I call out holding his hand to stop him, he grabs it for me and without dilly dally goes ahead to slap me. I turn back to him only to receive another blow that sends me to the ground. My face feels numb. I look up to him. I can feel a weird taste of iron in my mouth. Using my hand I wipe away saliva from the corner of my mouth only to realize that it was blood. I must have bitten my lip during the chaos. I'm quick to get up as Mundric charges at him in my defense. This was going to worsen everything. I stand in front of Ronan, my back facing him. My eyes are on the verge of tears.

"Mundric stop," I say mouthing a silent please at him. He looks at me, assured he can see the terror in my eyes.

"he can't treat you like that,"

"She is my sister, I can do whatever I want with her," Ronan adds. I can feel his body charging forward to fight Mundric. I stand still not giving him a chance. "Stay away from her."

"Please go!" I mouth at him. He groans disappointedly leaving me at the mercy of my brother but not before shooting sharp piercing warning eyes at Ronan. I turn to him. He grips my neck instantly.

"If I see you as much as an inch closer to that boy, I will not only get you dishonored but also broken," he squeezes harder. My little fingers try to loosen his grip as I struggle for air. "Am I clear?" I nod hastily. He shoves me roughly enough to fall, thankfully I retain my balance on time.

"Gather your equipment and run home." I was not done with farming but things were already fallen apart. Revolting was just going to add more problems. I grab my stuff placing the flower inside the basket before Ronan notices and rush home.

Mother was fast asleep when I arrived. Creena was long gone. I tried to keep myself busy by preparing dinner since it was almost dark. My two siblings came in later on to eat before leaving again. As for mother, I served her her meal in bed. Midnight caught me waiting for the two to get home to not lock them out. They seemed intoxicated drunk in whatever they had consumed when they got back. Once they were all in bed I retired to sleep beside mother. It felt safer than sharing a room with my siblings who weren't my siblings. Holding onto the flower offered to me by Mundric, I imagined what it would be like to have him as a husband. My eyes grow heavy I struggle to stay awake till I give in to sleep.